Sound-Attenuating Device and Method of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

A sound-attenuating assembly may have a headpiece and two covered dampening assembly that may be detachably attached to the locations of the headpiece that oppose a wearer&#39;s ear; the dampening assembly may have a padded member member that may be in contact with a dividing member that may be in a contact with a compressible member which may be disposed within a concave member; the dampening assembly may be disposed within a cover such a fastener of the cover detachably attaches to a fastener of the headpiece.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates by reference and claims the benefit of thenonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/373,646, which was filed on Apr.3, 2019 and also claims the benefit and incorporates by reference a) theprovisional application filed on Apr. 3, 2018 with an application No. of62/652,238 and b) the provisional application filed on Mar. 30, 2019with an application No. of 62/826,994.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to sound attenuating devices forears, and more specifically to a sound attenuating device for a neonataldevice; certain embodiments may be used for individuals who are greaterin age than an infant such as a child, adolescent, or adult.

The figures are illustrative, give examples, and are not supposed to belimiting. Coupled means to be in direct or indirect contact with anotherobject; in preferred embodiments two or more objects that are coupledmay be affixed by some type of physical or nonphysical means such asglue, screw, nail, mating connections, threaded connections, soldering,which also includes being detachably affixed which means that asubstantially temporary means has been used to affix the two or moreobjects. As mentioned above, indirect coupling includes Object A beingcoupled to Object B and Object C being coupled to Object B would meanthat Object A is coupled to Object C even if Object A is not physicallycontacting Object C. Additional elements may be coupled to each other inthis manner.

2. Background

When an infant is in the womb, it is protected from potentially damagingambient noise by the mother's body. More specifically, the mother's bodysuppresses sound by approximately 15 dB in the mid to high frequencyrange. Such sound protection is especially important during the lasttrimester, since auditory neural pathways begin to form at that time.Unfortunately, some infants are born prematurely and must be maintainedin a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a hospital. Because of thenature of the NICU, much noise throughout the frequency spectrum isgenerated from the activity of nurses, phones, bells, alarms, etc. Noiselevels in the NICU may range from 60 dB to 120 dB; 60 dB is around thesound level of normal conversation, and 120 dB may be the level of anambulance siren. Sound levels in the NICU may be above the safe rangeover 70% of the time. Such noises may adversely affect the infant inmany ways, such as by leading to stress which may lead to tachycardiaand hypoxia. Such an exposure may lead to long term issues such asAuditory Processing Disorder, and infants that spend time in the NICUare more likely to develop learning disabilities. For example, theinfant's reactions to the stress burns many calories, thus potentiallyadversely affecting its growth during a critical phase of its life. Thenoise may keep the infant from getting much needed sleep, and, ifantibiotics are administered to the infant, the noise could promoteantibiotic attack on sensory mechanisms in the auditory system. Thus,protecting neonatal infants from harmful sounds which arise in the NICUenvironment is very desirable. On the other hand, since auditory neuralpathways are being formed at that time, it is not desirable to attenuatetoo much sound, because overly isolating the infant from sound mayinhibit neural development.

At this point in time, certain devices have been disclosed or published,such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,709; US Pat Appl. Pub. 2018/0177641;US20130046219A1; US20130133671A1; US20090178177A1; and, US20100014686A1.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Embodiment 1

A sound attenuating assembly 100 configured to be worn by a human,comprising:

-   -   a headpiece 113 102 comprising an inner surface;    -   a covered-dampening assembly 200 comprising        -   a cover 300; and,        -   a dampening assembly 400 disposed within the cover 300;        -   the dampening assembly 400 comprising:            -   a padded member 104;            -   a compressible member 108;            -   a concave member 110;    -   wherein the padded member 104 is coupled to the cover 300, the        padded member 104 is coupled to the compressible member 108.

Embodiment 2

The sound attenuating assembly of Embodiment 1, wherein the dampeningassembly further comprises a separating member 106 disposed between thepadded member 104 and the compressible member 108; wherein theseparating member 106 is coupled to the member 104 and is coupled to thecompressible member 108.

Embodiment 3

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 2 wherein the concavemember 110 comprises a silicone surface.

Embodiment 4

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 3 wherein thecompressible member 108 comprises a foam material.

Embodiment 5

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 4 wherein thecompressible member 108 further comprises a foam material selected fromthe group consisting of a viscoelastic foam, a memory foam, a Dunloplatex foam, and a furniture foam. [The foam may have one or more of thefollowing properties: elasticity, porosity, thickness, and cell size.]

Embodiment 6

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 5, wherein the paddedmember 104 comprises a cloth outer shell 220 substantially engulfing anamount of insulating material 222.

Embodiment 7

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 6 wherein the clothouter shell 220 of padded member 104 comprises wool and the amount ofinsulating material 222 comprises cotton. [padded member 108 may be madefrom a quilted wool/cotton blend, the stuffing of padded member 108 maybe also made from a quilted wool/cotton blend; the stuffing of paddedmember 108 may be made of cotton, batting, a cotton-blend or some othercompressible material including foam.]

Embodiment 8

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 2 wherein theseparating member 106 comprises cardstock.

Embodiment 9

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 8 wherein the cardstockcomprises 140 pound cardstock.

Embodiment 10

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 1 wherein the covereddampening assembly 200 is disposed within a pocket 230, the pocket 230being coupled to a lateral, inner surface 232 of the headpiece 113.

Embodiment 11

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 11, the pocket 230nestling against a human ear.

Embodiment 12

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 1, wherein theheadpiece 113 comprises a fastening patch 500 coupled to a lateral,inner ear flap surface of the headpiece 113.

Embodiment 13

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 1, wherein thefastening patch 500 further comprises a first fastener surface selectedfrom the group consisting of a hook-and-loop fastener, a magneticfastener, a hook-and-pile fastener, a zipper, a button, a reclosablefastener. (Dual Lock may be used; and the fastening patch 500 may becoupled by sewing or other means such that the fastening patch is noteasily dislodged when an infant, who is wearing the headpiece 113 havingthe fastening patch, tosses and turns).

Embodiment 14

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 13 wherein the covereddampening assembly 200 further comprises a second fastener surfacedetachably coupled to the first fastener surface, wherein the secondfastener surface is selected from the group consisting of ahook-and-loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a hook-and-pile fastener, azipper, a button, a reclosable fastener.

Embodiment 15

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 14 wherein theheadpiece 113 further comprises a chinstrap 502 having a third fastenerand a fourth fastener coupled to an edge portion of the headpiece 113,the third fastener being detachably coupled to the fourth fastener.

Embodiment 16

The sound attenuating assembly 100 of Embodiment 15 wherein an averagethickness of the compressible member is greater than an averagethickness of the concave member.

A method of using a sound attenuating assembly comprising

-   -   providing a dampening assembly comprising a padded member 104; a        separating member; a compressible member 108; and a concave        member;    -   providing a headpiece 113 having a fastener at a first        ear-adjacent location (700 a) and having a second fastener at a        second ear-adjacent location (700 b);    -   substantially disposing the dampening assembly within a cover        having a foldable thereby forming a covered dampening assembly        200;    -   detachably attaching an outward facing detachable fastener of        the covered dampening assembly 200 to the fastener at the        ear-adjacent location of the headpiece 113; a sound attenuating        assembly 100 configured to be worn by a human, comprising:        -   a headpiece 113 102 comprising an inner surface, the inner            surface having an ear flap area disposed upon said inner            surface; the ear flap area comprising a first fastener            surface fixable attached to inner surface;    -   a covered dampening assembly 200 comprising        -   a cover 300; and,        -   a dampening assembly 400 disposed within the cover 300;        -   the dampening assembly 400 comprising:            -   a padded member 104;            -   a separating member 106 disposed between the padded                member 104 and the compressible member 108;    -   wherein the padded member 104 is coupled to the cover 300, the        padded member 104 is coupled to the compressible member 108;    -   a second fastener surface being disposed upon the cover and        being detachably fastened to the first fastener surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described inconjunction with the appended drawings. Various sizes and shapes andconfigurations of the parts of the mountable watering assembly arecontemplated; various sizes of fasteners may be used depending on sizeand spacing of the rails of a railing system, such as a railing systemthat may be installed on a deck. Like designations denote like elements,and:

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a concave member102.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of the embodiment in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C shows a top view of the embodiment in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressiblemember 104.

FIG. 2B shows a top view of the compressible member 104 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of dividing member106.

FIG. 3B shows a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A depicts an embodiment of a padded member 108.

FIG. 4B depicts a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A depicts a side view of a dampening assembly 200.

FIG. 5B depicts a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C depicts an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 7 depicts a first covering front portion.

FIG. 8 depicts a covering back portion.

FIG. 9 depicts a back view of a covered dampening assembly.

FIG. 10 depicts a front view of the covered dampening assembly of FIG.9.

FIG. 11 depicts a first front piece of a headpiece 113.

FIG. 12 depicts a second front piece of a headpiece 113.

FIG. 13 depicts a first back piece of a headpiece 113.

FIG. 14 depicts a second back piece of a headpiece 113.

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of a headpiece 113.

FIG. 16 depicts the embodiment of the headpiece 113 of FIG. 15 beingworn by an infant.

FIG. 17a depicts the front view of the headpiece 113 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17B depicts a back view of the headpiece 113 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a headpiece 113.

FIG. 18B depicts a front view of the embodiment of the headpiece 113 ofFIG. 18A.

FIG. 19 depicts a partial perspective view of the embodiment of theheadpiece 113 of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment of a covered dampening assembly.

FIG. 21 depicts an embodiment of the covered dampening assembly of FIG.20.

FIG. 22A depicts a perspective back view of the embodiment shown in FIG.18A.

FIG. 22B shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18A.

FIG. 23 shows a partial view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 as well as aperspective back view of a covered dampening assembly.

FIG. 24 shows an infant wearing the headpiece 113 of 18A.

FIG. 25A shows a side view of what is shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 25B shows a side perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 25A;

FIG. 25C shows a front-side perspective view of what is shown in FIG.25B.

FIG. 25D shows a back view of what is shown in FIG. 25C.

FIG. 25E shows a frontal upward facing view of what is shown in FIG.25D.

FIG. 26A depicts an embodiment of the earpiece dampening assembly.

FIG. 26B depicts an embodiment of the silicone layer and button of theearpiece dampening assembly.

FIG. 26C depicts an embodiment of the inner viscoelastic foam layer andpadded oval ring of the earpiece dampening assembly.

FIG. 26D depicts a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26A.

FIG. 26E depicts a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 26A.

FIG. 27A depicts an embodiment of the earpiece dampening assembly outersilicone layer.

FIG. 27B depicts embodiment of silicone button coupled to embodimentshow in FIG. 27A.

FIG. 27C depicts top-oblique view of embodiment shown in FIG. 27B.

FIG. 28A depicts an embodiment of a behind-the-head headband.

FIG. 28B depicts an infant wearing the embodiment shown in FIG. 28A.

FIG. 28C depicts an embodiment as shown in FIG. 28A adjusted for size.

FIG. 28D depicts an infant wearing an adjustable forehead strap coupledto the embodiment shown in FIG. 28A.

FIG. 29A depicts an of embodiment of a full circular headband.

FIG. 29B depicts an infant wearing the embodiment shown in FIG. 29A.

FIG. 30 depicts an infant wearing a cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, materials used in the assembly or devicespreferably lower sound levels between 20-30 dB. Materials that are usedin the assembly or devices preferably dampen sound instead of deadeningsound; in other words, materials preferably attenuate sound instead ofcompletely canceling sound or noise. Some materials which may beincorporated in the assembly or device maybe medical grade materials. Inthe preferred embodiments, materials which are used in the assembly ordevice are not overly rigid and have some degree of flexibility.

In the preferred embodiments, headpiece 113 and the sound attenuatingassembly may be configured to be compatible with the use of medicaldevices such as tubes and CPAP oxygen machines. The use or discloseinvention is not limited to prematurely born infants and differentembodiments of the invention may be used with infants, prematurely borninfants, children, adolescents, adults, senior citizens and disabledpeople, and consequently, the sound attenuating assembly 100 and itscomponents may be of various sizes and shapes. Premature babies may varygreatly in size, weight, and head circumference. In preferredembodiments a baby or individual may lay on top of the sound attenuatingassembly and its components without being damaged. In the preferredembodiments the components of the sounds in the assembly 100 are notsubstantially bulky. In the preferred embodiments, the headpiece isconfigured to fit snuggly with an individual such as a baby. In thepreferred embodiments the headpiece is not configured to fit so tightlythat the user experiences great discomfort or has decreased blood flowareas in the areas that are contacted by the headpiece.

In some embodiments, the headpiece may be of a size that fits apremature baby of various sizes or an individual regardless of theindividuals age or size.

In the preferred embodiments, the dampening assembly, which is theportion that may attenuate sound, may be sized to cover an entire ear ofan individual. Preferably, two dampening assembly may be used so thateach ear may be covered. Preferably headpiece 113 does not cover theeyes or nose of an individual or prematurely born infant. Preferablynurses or other caretakers may remove headpiece 113 and its componentwith substantial ease. Preferably headpiece 113 and its component do notinterfere, or only minimally interfere, with medical devices that may bein use with a prematurely born infant who may be using IVs, feedingtubes, bilirubin glasses, oxygen, ventilator, nasal cannula, CPAP, headsensors, incisions, etc.

Any listed measurements are only exemplary; preferable ranges may fallwithin −10% and +10% of the stated measurement values; preferable rangesfall may within −30% and +30% of the stated measurement values; someranges fall may within −50% and +50% of the stated measurement values;some ranges fall may within −90% and +1000% of the stated measurementvalues.

The following components may be included individually or in combinationwith other components which are listed herein; details are exemplary andnonlimiting.

FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 depict an embodiment of a sound attenuatingassembly 100. headpiece 113 may have one or more pockets (713 a, 713 b)or may have a fastener patch, such as a hook-and-loop patch that mayattach to a dampening assembly's corresponding fastener patch or acovered dampening assembly's corresponding fastener patch.

Any component with the word “member”, such as concave member 102 orcompressible member 104, may be of any shape; in the preferredembodiments, may be circular, oval, squarish, rectangular, ear-shaped,or elliptical,

Sound attenuating assembly 100 may include a dampening assembly that mayinclude a concave member 102, which may be large enough for othercomponents to be disposed within concave member 102; a compressiblemember 104, a dividing member 106 (which is not present in someembodiments); a padded member 108

Compressible member 104 may be made of foam or other compressiblematerial.

Dividing member 106 may be made of card stock;

A padded member 108 may be included;

headpiece 113 may cover the ears, at least some of the neck and at leastsome of the head of a wearer;

A cover 300 may be made from cloth or some other material.

An embodiment of dampening assembly 400 is shown in FIG. 5B.

4 pieces may be used to make the headpiece 113; 3 pieces may be used tomake the pocket. Dampening assembly and covered dampening assembly mayreduce sound levels between 10 and 100 db with a target reduction of30-50 db.

Cardstock may be the 140 lb type; height of dividing member 106 may be3.2 cm and the width of dividing member 106 may be 3 cm.

concave member 102 may be a silicone egg mold or any other concaveobject that is large enough to engulf or partially engulf compressiblemember 104. The width of concave member 102 may be 4.2 cm; the length ofconcave member 102 may be 4.2 cm. The thickness of concave member 102may be between 0.1 mm and 100 mm.

The length by width dimensions of padded member 108 may be 4.5 cm by 4cm.

Foam may be used as the main material of the compressible member 104; insome embodiments the length by width dimensions of the compressiblemember 104 may be 3.9 cm by 3.4 cm and may be 1.5 cm in thickness.

Upper circumference of headpiece 113 may be 18.1 cm. headpiece 113 mayhave an upper central horizontal width of 11.4 cm; bottom horizontalwidth may be 14 cm; a band of material with a fastener on one end thatmay attach detachably to a fastener of the head piece may be coupled toan opposing side of the headpiece to form a chinstrap 502.

Cover 300 may be 4.5 cm by 5.2 cm.

Width circumference of cover 300 may be 12 cm.

Height circumference of cover may be 13 cm.

Sound attenuating assembly 100 may have removeable and adjustable earpieces to ensure proper fit. It may also have an adjustable chin strapto ensure that the sound attenuating assembly is fitted snugly around awearer so as to form a substantial seal around the ear.

Ear covering may be worn by babies/children/adults to decrease the noiselevel. It may work by having materials that attenuate sound placed overthe ear and may include a headpiece 113; headpiece 113 may be a band orheadband or it may be a head covering with a neck covering portion andone or more ear flaps.

Each part of the earpiece may serve a function of lowering/attenuatingsound and/or providing comfort in wear/use of the product. Earpiece mayinclude one or more materials to provide attenuation and/or comfort. Thedesign may include various materials such as a silicone convex earpiece, viscoelastic foam, cardstock, wool/cotton organic material blend.A pocket may exist to place earpiece materials in. The pocket maycontain hook and loop fastener for adjustment of ear piece placement.The pocket may detach and be adjusted for proper fit around the ear.Materials may also be removed from pocket for washing of pocket. An earpiece may be on each side for placement over each ear. Head piece mayprovide comfortable fit around the head and may include a hook and loopfastener strip to attach the earpiece. The headpiece 113 may alsocontain a strap, which may be hook and latch, to ensure proper fit ofthe ear pieces over the ear. The headpiece 113 may also include designerelements such as bows. The ear pieces and head piece may be sized to fitvarious head sizes.

The ear piece and its materials may contribute sound attenuation andcomfort. The head piece and its parts may act to hold the ear piece inits proper place to ensure proper attenuation over the ears.

The head piece may be used as a headpiece 113 for warmth or style, yetalso may serve to support the ear pieces.

The materials in the ear piece work to attenuate sound and may becomfortable

The head piece may hold the ear pieces in place over the ears and mayprovide a surface for allowing for the adjustment of ear pieces.

At least a portion of the sound attenuating materials may be preferablyplaced over the ear to attenuate/decrease/lower the sound level.Headpiece 113 may have a strap or other member for holding a dampeningassembly or covered dampening assembly in its proper place. The upperportion of the head piece may be substantially elevated so as to notcover or obstruct the eyes or nose. The head piece may also providesufficient fit and covering to properly hold/support the ear pieces intheir proper placement over the ears.

The ear piece may be of various shapes, so long as it still forms onaround the ear. Various materials may be used in the ear piece,including materials that are known to have sound attenuating properties.

Various designs and patterns may be used for the head piece; in thepreferred embodiments, the head piece may use a fastener withdetachable-attachable properties, such as a hook loop fastener or othertype of adhesive or detachably adhesive material that may be located inthe area of the headpiece that would touch or be facing a wearers ear;and a patch with a fastener may also be coupled to that location so thata covered dampening assembly with a fastener 704 on the outer surface(or a dampening assembly without a cover that has a fastener on theouter surface of the concave member 102) may then be adjustably coupledto the patch such that the covered dampening assembly may be coupledwith the head piece 13 or held in place against the head piece; thelocation 700 at which such a patch 702 for coupling the covereddampening assembly 400 to the head piece is shown in the figures; theshape of the patch 702 may be rectangular, elliptical, or some othershape. A patch 702 may be coupled to one side of the headpiece 113 and asecond patch may be coupled to an opposing side of the headpiece 113since most individuals have two ears and would usually benefit fromhaving a dampening assembly 400 or covered-dampening assembly 200attached to the patch 702 and a second dampening assembly 400 or asecond covered-dampening assembly 200 also being attached to a secondpatch. in the preferred embodiments an adhesive or detachably adhesivematerial is located on the outer surface of the ear piece andsubstantially couples with a support strip that is made of a materialthat allows for the adhesive or detachably adhesive material of theouter surface of the ear piece to attach of detachably attach to thesupport strip. The support strip may be coupled to the inner surface ofthe device.

Listed materials are nonlimiting. The parts in the ear piece, also knownas a dampening assembly or covered dampening assembly, may be of a typeof material that is not explicitly listed in this patent application. Ifanother material or combination of materials is found to provide similarattenuation and comfort. The ear piece cannot be eliminated. The designand pattern of the head piece could change as long as it providessupport for the ear pieces. The cover may have a back portion and twofront portions; the two front portions may overlap but also may be opensuch that a dampening assembly may be slid into an inner cavity of thecover and be substantially engulfed by the combination of the backportion of the cover and the two front portions; a zipper may be used ora fastener may be used such as a button or hook-loop fastener systemhaving a first hook loop fastener opposed to a mateable second hook loopfastener to reclosably close the opening of the cover.

Embodiments may include bone conduction piece that would play soundssimilar to what may be heard in the womb including mother's voice,heartbeat, and other ambient sounds. Bone conduction is the way a fetushears sound in utero. It may also include the use of developmentallyappropriate sounds to improve auditory development.

Any of the members or layers may be removed. It is possible thecardstock could be left out of the ear piece as it may lose its supportintegrity over time and use.

The product could be used on babies outside of the NICU or hospitalsetting or full-term babies. It could also be used for small children,children, adults or anyone with a need for sound attenuation from loudenvironments. The product may be sized for various head sizes. The earpieces may be worn over the ears and may be held in place as to stayover the ear continuously.

The ear pieces may be made with materials that attenuate sound and arefeasible and comfortable in the wear of the product. The head piece maybe made of material that is soft and flexible for ease and comfort inwearing.

Wearing the ear piece over the ears and being held in place to createproper fit is preferred. Cotton may be used for the headpiece 113;concave member 102 may be made of silicone and some embodiments asilicone mold such as a Wilton silicone egg mold may be used for concavemember 102.

This application incorporates by reference and claims the benefit ofU.S. application Ser. No. 16/373,646, which was filed on Apr. 3, 2019,and claims the benefit of a) the provisional

application filed on Apr. 3, 2018 with an application number of62/652,238 and b) the

provisional application filed on Mar. 30, 2019 with an applicationnumber of 62/826,994.

This embodiment consists of two main areas: the earpiece and theheadpiece. The earpiece is embodimented for sound attenuation, and theheadpiece holds the earpieces in place. Below are descriptions of theearpiece and headpiece embodiments.

As disclosed in applicant's previous applications, positioning ofearpieces and increased effectiveness of earpiece are desirable. Thepresent application discloses an earpiece embodiment that reducessliding movements or movements of the earpiece or the headpiece; aembodiment is disclosed that goes around the outside of the ear toprovide a concave shape around the ear and also to create space aroundthe ear, which puts little to no pressure on the ear.

The material of the earpiece may consist of the original outer siliconelayer (FIG. 11b ), followed by a layer of viscoelastic foam (FIG. 11c ).Both materials may provide sound attenuation. The earpiece may consistof an exterior sound attenuating shell (silicone material) (FIG. 11b ),the inner sound attenuating layer (viscoelastic foam material) (FIG. 11c), and padded oval-ring shaped ear cushions that are configured to bepressed around the ear on the skull (foam material) (FIG. 11c ). Theadditional two layers of cardstock or wool-cotton blend material may beeliminated in some embodiments. By using silicone and foam materials,the layers may be molded and blown into one piece in the manufacturingprocess (FIG. 11a ), which will allow for ease in manufacturing andassembly. Another benefit includes being more easily cleaned by surfacewiping the earpiece rather than disassembly and washing of material.This allows for increased sanitation in the hospital setting. Theoriginal level of sound attenuation that consisted within the original 4materials can be achieved through increasing the thickness of thesilicone layer and foam and by creating a light seal around the ear withthe improved embodiment. The thickness of the silicone outer layer maybe between 1-3 ml thick. The thickness of the foam layer may be lessthan 2 cm in thickness or the density of the material will be increased.

Multiple sizes of the earpiece may be manufactured and used depending onthe size and growth of the infant.

The Exterior Shell

The exterior shell may be composed of silicone that is pliable forcomfort and flexibility. The silicone material provides both structureto the earpiece and sound attenuation. The thickness of the siliconeouter layer may be between 1-3 ml thick.

From the top (FIG. 11d ) and side view (FIG. 11a ), the shape of theearpiece may be a round oval shape seen in original earpiece embodimentor may extend diagonally in a conal direction from the outer edge of theoval ring and flatten to allow for proper attachment of the button,which exists to attach to the headpiece.

From the bottom view (FIG. 11e ), it may be an oval and concave shapethat may circle around the outside of the entire ear and cups around theear. The exterior back of the outer shell may flatten. The exterior backof the earpiece embodiment may also include a button that may be asmall, soft, flexible button that may be attachable to the headpiece andmay allow for adjustment on the headpiece. The button may allow forpivotal adjustment on the earpiece at multiple degrees depending on theshape and placement of the ear. The button may consist of the samesilicone material used on the outer shell of the earpiece and may beattached via a mold in the manufacturing process (FIG. 11b ). The buttonmay have a stem that may be less than 0.5 centimeters in height and 0.5centimeters in width. The stem may attach to the upper button which mayhelp hold the earpiece in place so as to not pop out of location on theheadpiece. The upper button portion may be less than 1 centimeterdiameter and less than 0.5 centimeters height. It may also have a flator dome shape.

Inner Sound Attenuating Layer

The inner layer may be composed of a sound attenuating foam (such asvisco elastic or antimicrobial polyurethane), additional silicone, orflexible plastic, or combination of materials to provide soundattenuation and comfort around the ear (FIG. 11c ). The inner layer ofthe earpiece may be adhered to the exterior silicone shell viamanufacturing. The shape may be concave as to allow room for the ear tofill the space when it is placed on/around the ear. The thickness of thefoam layer may be less than 2 cm in thickness or the density of thematerial will be increased. The foam material may be placed in someembodiment as a separate piece that required assembly and may be placedin other embodiments as a single piece. By adhering the outer siliconelayer and inner foam layer, it creates an ease in manufacturing, ease ofcleaning and sanitation, and improved function.

Outer Ring

The oval ring of the earpiece will extend around the outside of the earto create a ring around the ear (FIG. 11c ). The material may consist ofa soft foam for comfort and flexibility allowing the placement to followthe curvature of the skull. The ring may function to create light gentlepressure so as to not create any excessive pressure on the soft skullbones around the ear. The oval ring will include a rounded cushion todecrease any pressure points and evenly distribute the light pressurearound the ear. The light seal also creates sound attenuation bydecreasing the amount of sound that gets through the earpiece which thusincreases the effectiveness of the sound attenuation creating a soundlevel more appropriate for the infant. The ring may also function tohold the earpiece in place over the ear to prevent movement and slidingof the earpiece. The thickness of the ring may be approximately 1 cmthick and less than 1 cm wide.

Sound Level Sensor

An audio sensor may be included in the earpiece that allows for datatracking of the infants dB level exposure. The sensor may be placedinside the concave earpiece to measure the sound level the infant isexposed. The concave shape of the earpiece allows for placement of thesensor within the earpiece without touching or pressuring the ear. Thedata tracking allows for increased awareness of environmental soundlevels and the effectiveness of the earpiece in attenuating the sound toacceptable developmental levels. The sensor may include a microphone onthe inside of the earpiece to capture the sound level and a sensor orprobe device that is exposed to the outside of the earpiece to capturethe environmental sound level. Through wireless, bluetooth, or otherconnection technology, data may be tracked to improve the auditoryenvironment and outcome of the infant.

Original Earpiece

The original earpiece may be changed to have a silicone button molded tothe exterior back of the silicone outer layer (FIG. 12a ). The buttonmay be used for attachment to the headpiece. The button allows forpivotal adjustment on the earpiece at multiple degrees to accommodatethe placement of the ear and ensure proper placement of the earpieceover the ear. The button may consist of the same silicone material usedon the outer silicone layer of the earpiece and will be attached via amold in the manufacturing process (FIG. 12b ). The button may have astem that may be less than 0.5 centimeters in height and 0.5 centimetersin width. The stem may attach to the upper button which will help holdthe earpiece in place so as to not pop out of location on the headpiece.The upper button portion may be less than 1 centimeter diameter and lessthan 0.5 centimeters height. It may also have a flat or dome shape. Theouter material cover of the earpiece will have an elastic hole allowingfor the silicone button to pop through for attachment to the headpiece.

Headpiece

Upon testing the original headpiece (cap style embodiment) on prematurebabies in a neonatal intensive care unit, additional embodiment optionswere developed to overcome the constraints of the cap embodiment. Theremay be multiple headpiece embodiments needed to meet the needs of theinfant depending on size, ability to maintain temperature, medicalequipment in use, and oxygen needs (nasal cannula, cpap, ventilator,etc.). Because different equipment, particularly oxygen equipment,requires various levels of access to the forehead and top of head area,cap wearing may be challenging in certain situations. Also, the goal isto have the infant maintain body heat on its own, so cap wearing forlong periods of time is discouraged in some NICU settings. Multipleheadpieces may need to be utilized depending on the many factors of theinfant including, but not limited to size of head and ears, ability tomaintain temperature, medical equipment in use, and oxygen needs (nasalcannula, cpap, ventilator, etc.). For this reason, multiple headpieceembodiments have been developed to meet the medical needs of the infant.

Behind-the-Head Headpiece

One of the alternative headpiece embodiments utilizes the back of thehead with a behind-the-head headband. It may form a semi circular shapeon the back of the head that attaches to the outer side of each earpiecevia a silicone button on the earpiece (FIG. 13a ). The headband includesan upper band and lower band that join together with a curved U-shapewhere the earpieces attach (FIG. 13a ). From the U-shape, the upper andlower band diverge at approximately 30 degrees and wrap around andcradle the back side of the head, creating light pressure, which acts tokeep the earpieces in place (FIG. 13b ). The middle portion, between theupper and lower band, may comprise a breathable mesh elastic fabric orother breathable material for structure (FIG. 13a & b). The upper andlower band of the behind-the-head embodiment increase the support tokeep the earpieces in place without interfering with most medicalequipment. The upper band may be embodimented at the aforementionedangle to lay below the lower fontanel on the head as to not create anypressure on the soft spot. The headband embodiment also allows forevenly distributed pressure as to not create hot spots or excessivepressure on any one spot of the skull (FIG. 13b ).

The upper and lower bands may adjust to allow for sizing to various headsizes and proper contouring to the head and to create light pressure toproperly hold the earpieces against the head (FIG. 13c ). The upper andlower bands may consist of a slide mechanism comprising an inner band(made of a flexible plastic or metal material) that is firmly encased inan outer sleeve (made of a flexible plastic or metal material). Theouter band may firmly encase the inner band as to maintain the adjustedsize and hold in place the inner band. The inner band slides into theouter band allowing for adjustability for different head sizes. Theadjustability allows the bands to follow the curvature of the head andlay properly against the head for comfort. The outer sleeve may have alip at the ends to stop the inner band from slipping out. The outersleeve of both the upper and lower bands may be covered in a soft paddedmaterial such as neoprene to ensure comfort against the infant head.Adjustments may be made by lightly pulling on the headpiece near theearpiece for the slide adjustment to move.

Both earpiece embodiments (original and improved embodiment) may attachto the behind-the-head headband via the silicone button. A small hole inthe neoprene fabric allows the button to slip through and be held snug.The button attachment may allow for the angle of the earpieces to beadjusted (FIG. 13a )

The headband may also consist of an additional strap that can attach tothe side of the headpiece via latch or velcro and adjust toward theforehead for additional support if equipment allows (FIG. 13d ). Thestrap may also consist of a neoprene material (or other soft cushionedmaterial) that attaches to the outer sides of the earpieces and wrapsaround the forehead for added stability of the earpieces. In somesituations, the strap may be removable and optional.

Full Circular Headpiece

An additional headpiece embodiment may be a full circular headband thatwraps around the back of the head and meets at the forehead with velcrostraps for adjustability (FIG. 14b ). The headband may also have velcroadjustability in the back for further sizing up or down if needed andfor proper placement of the earpieces over the ears (FIG. 14b ). Theheadband may be made of stretchable and cushioned material such as, butnot limited to neoprene fabric. The headband may fully cover orpartially cover a length of the forehead and may create light pressureover the earpieces to keep the earpieces from moving or sliding around(FIG. 14a ). The headband may angle above the eyes to rest on theforehead for maximum stability and to not obstruct the eyes of theinfant (FIG. 14b ).

Some earpiece embodiments may attach to a full circular headband via asilicone button. A small hole in the neoprene or other headband fabricmay allow the button to slip through a portion of the headband and thebutton may be held snug by headband fabric or other materials of theheadband. The button attachment may allow for the angle of the earpiecesto be adjusted for proper placement around the ear (FIG. 14b ).

Cap

The cap may be a soft beanie-style embodiment made of various materialsincluding mesh, cotton, polyester, and/or spandex. The cap may securethe earpieces against creating light pressure so the earpieces stay inproper position over the ears (FIG. 15). The cap may be secured with achin strap.

Some earpiece embodiments may attach to the cap via the silicone button.A reinforced hole cap fabric, which may be a small hole, may allow thebutton to slip through the cap and may be held snug. The buttonattachment may allow for the angle of the earpieces to be adjusted forproper placement around the ear. The silicone button attachment mayreplace the velcro attachment seen in the original embodiment (FIG. 15).

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A sound attenuating assembly 100 configured to be worn by a human,comprising: a headpiece 113 102 comprising an inner surface; acovered-dampening assembly 200 comprising a cover 300; and, a dampeningassembly 400 disposed within the cover 300; the dampening assembly 400comprising: a padded member 104; a compressible member 108; a concavemember 110; wherein the padded member 104 is coupled to the cover 300,the padded member 104 is coupled to the compressible member
 108. 2. Thesound attenuating assembly of claim 1, wherein the dampening assemblyfurther comprises a separating member 106 disposed between the paddedmember 104 and the compressible member 108; wherein the separatingmember 106 is coupled to the member 104 and is coupled to thecompressible member
 108. 3. The sound attenuating assembly 100 of claim2 wherein the concave member 110 comprises a silicone surface.
 4. Thesound attenuating assembly 100 of claim 3 wherein the compressiblemember 108 comprises a foam material.
 5. The sound attenuating assembly100 of claim 4 wherein the compressible member 108 further comprises afoam material selected from the group consisting of a viscoelastic foam,a memory foam, a Dunlop latex foam, and a furniture foam. [The foam mayhave one or more of the following properties: elasticity, porosity,thickness, and cell size.]
 6. The sound attenuating assembly 100 ofclaim 5, wherein the padded member 104 comprises a cloth outer shell 220substantially engulfing an amount of insulating material
 222. 7. Thesound attenuating assembly 100 of claim 6 wherein the cloth outer shell220 of padded member 104 comprises wool and the amount of insulatingmaterial 222 comprises cotton. [padded member 108 may be made from aquilted wool/cotton blend, the stuffing of padded member 108 may be alsomade from a quilted wool/cotton blend; the stuffing of padded member 108may be made of cotton, batting, a cotton-blend or some othercompressible material including foam.]
 8. The sound attenuating assembly100 of claim 2 wherein the separating member 106 comprises cardstock. 9.The sound attenuating assembly 100 of claim 8 wherein the cardstockcomprises 140 pound cardstock.
 10. The sound attenuating assembly 100 ofclaim 1 wherein the covered dampening assembly 200 is disposed within apocket 230, the pocket 230 being coupled to a lateral, inner surface 232of the headpiece
 113. 11. The sound attenuating assembly 100 of claim11, the pocket 230 nestling against a human ear.
 12. The soundattenuating assembly 100 of claim 1, wherein the headpiece 113 comprisesa fastening patch 500 coupled to a lateral, inner ear flap surface ofthe headpiece
 113. 13. The sound attenuating assembly 100 of claim 1,wherein the fastening patch 500 further comprises a first fastenersurface selected from the group consisting of a hook-and-loop fastener,a magnetic fastener, a hook-and-pile fastener, a zipper, a button, areclosable fastener. (Dual Lock may be used; and the fastening patch 500may be coupled by sewing or other means such that the fastening patch isnot easily dislodged when an infant, who is wearing the headpiece 113having the fastening patch, tosses and turns).
 14. The sound attenuatingassembly 100 of claim 13 wherein the covered dampening assembly 200further comprises a second fastener surface detachably coupled to thefirst fastener surface, wherein the second fastener surface is selectedfrom the group consisting of a hook-and-loop fastener, a magneticfastener, a hook-and-pile fastener, a zipper, a button, a reclosablefastener.
 15. The sound attenuating assembly 100 of claim 14 wherein theheadpiece 113 further comprises a chinstrap 502 having a third fastenerand a fourth fastener coupled to an edge portion of the headpiece 113,the third fastener being detachably coupled to the fourth fastener. 16.The sound attenuating assembly 100 of claim 15 wherein an averagethickness of the compressible member is greater than an averagethickness of the concave member.
 17. A method of using a soundattenuating assembly comprising providing a dampening assemblycomprising a padded member 104; a separating member; a compressiblemember 108; and a concave member; providing a headpiece 113 having afastener at a first ear-adjacent location (700 a) and having a secondfastener at a second ear-adjacent location (700 b); substantiallydisposing the dampening assembly within a cover having a foldablethereby forming a covered dampening assembly 200; detachably attachingan outward facing detachable fastener of the covered dampening assembly200 to the fastener at the ear-adjacent location of the headpiece 113; asound attenuating assembly 100 configured to be worn by a human,comprising: a headpiece 113 102 comprising an inner surface, the innersurface having an ear flap area disposed upon said inner surface; theear flap area comprising a first fastener surface fixable attached toinner surface; a covered dampening assembly 200 comprising a cover 300;and, a dampening assembly 400 disposed within the cover 300; thedampening assembly 400 comprising: a padded member 104; a separatingmember 106 disposed between the padded member 104 and the compressiblemember 108; wherein the padded member 104 is coupled to the cover 300,the padded member 104 is coupled to the compressible member 108; asecond fastener surface being disposed upon the cover and beingdetachably fastened to the first fastener surface.